HEADQUARTERS

April 9, 2025

Coast Guard soliciting public comments on Stockton Viaduct dual bridge replacement proposal

The Coast Guard is soliciting public comments on a proposal by the California Department of Transportation to replace the existing Stockton Viaduct (Interstate 5) dual bridge. 

April 9, 2025

Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound launches Aqua Alert pilot program to improve maritime emergency response

NEW YORK — U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound is launching Aqua Alert, a new pilot program

April 8, 2025

Coast Guard finalizes permanent relief of Sector San Diego commander 

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard permanently relieved the commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego Tuesday after temporarily relieving the commander on October 24, 2024.  Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander, District Eleven, temporarily relieved Capt. James Spitler following an investigation leading to a loss of confidence due to failures in leadership, judgement, and integrity. 

April 8, 2025

Media Advisory: Coast Guard to offload more than $509 million in illegal drugs

MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a press conference, Wednesday, highlighting the

April 7, 2025

Coast Guard terminates ineffective information technology program, saves $32.7 million

The Coast Guard announced Friday the termination of the Logistics Information Management System (CG-LIMS), which will save approximately $32.7 million.

April 7, 2025

Coast Guard interdicts 22 aliens west of San Diego

SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal (WPB-87335) interdicted 22 aliens aboard a 45-foot cabin cruiser approximately six miles west of Point Loma, California, Sunday.

April 7, 2025

Coast Guard interdicts suspected smuggling vessel off San Diego coast

Coast Guard interdicts suspected smuggling vessel off San Diego coast SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne (WPC 1131), with support from the USS Spruance (DDG 111) and Department of Homeland Security partners interdicted a suspected maritime smuggling vessel carrying eight Mexican nationals approximately 27 miles west of San Diego, Saturday.

April 4, 2025

National 406 Day: Coast Guard urges mariners to properly register and dispose of emergency beacons

In recognition of 406 Day on April 6, a national campaign led by NOAA to spread awareness of the importance of emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), the Coast Guard is urging mariners to properly register and dispose of their emergency beacons.

April 3, 2025

Coast Guard commissions Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) in Kodiak, Alaska

KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard commissioned its newest cutter, Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) for official entry into its service fleet during a ceremony held in Kodiak, Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. Members of the Witherspoon family were also in attendance, including the cutter’s sponsor, Regina Nash, the daughter of John Witherspoon. The Witherspoon is the 58th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) in the service and the first of three FRCs scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak. The crew of the Witherspoon will primarily serve in and around the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and North Pacific Ocean. The cutter is designed for missions such as search and rescue; fishery patrols; drug and migrant interdiction; national defense; and ports, waterways, and coastal security. The namesake for the cutter, Capt. John G. Witherspoon, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1963 and commissioned as an ensign in 1971. During his career, Witherspoon rose to the rank of captain and served as the commanding officer on Coast Guard Cutters Mallow (WLB 396), Valiant (WMEC 621), and Dependable (WMEC 626). During his tenure, Witherspoon became the first African American to command a medium endurance cutter and the first African American officer to command both afloat and ashore units. He earned both the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals during his career. In honor of his dedication to mentorship amongst Coast Guard personnel, the Coast Guard established the Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, which is given to one active duty officer and one reserve officer each year who demonstrate Witherspoon’s qualities of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. The commissioning ceremony is a traditional milestone in the life of a cutter that marks its entry into active service and represents the cutter’s readiness to conduct Coast Guard operations.

April 2, 2025

Coast Guard Cutter Midgett completes deployment in Oceania, strengthens partnerships and maritime security

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) returned to Honolulu Tuesday, from a 76-day multi-mission deployment to Oceania in support of Operation Blue Pacific, steaming over 11,000 miles and demonstrating America’s commitment to an open Pacific.